Darklight

[Zarkias]

Hello,

On a research to get Shadow Siphon on a cleric build, I stumbled upon Shadowcaster Archetype.
One of the feat in this archetype "Unending Emptyness" gives access to the focus spell "Darklight"

https://2e.aonprd.com/Spells.aspx?ID=1060

But there is something off about this spell: it doesn't prevent the caster from being hindered, especially on vision because ShadowCasters don't have greater darkvision (only Shadowdancers)

Is it intended this way or not ?

[Nelzy]

The norm is that you are effected by your spells aswell, the Darkness spell dont let you see ither.

So unless the spell specifically say you can or you have another feature that say you can, you cant ignore your own spells effects.

[Zarkias]

Then I think this spell is missing something. Darkvision to limit hindrance of darkness is quite common but greater darkvision is realy niche.

A wording to let you target yourself like the allies to not be hindered or an immunity to it, or a way in the archetype to get the greater darkvision or even a spell to give you greater darkvision would be logical.

As is, this spell is quite locked to users of offensive AOE spells that stay at the back and put this spell on the frontline.

[Finoan]

You are looking specifically at this line, yes?

Darklight wrote:

When you cast this spell, choose up to four allies in the area to spare from darklight's effects.

While you are correct that it is a bit strange that you can select up to 4 allies to be protected from the spell, but not yourself - that is how it is written.

We forum-goers can't change that. Houserule as needed.

[Zarkias]

Yes it is thematically odd that you use some shadow that is detrimental to you even if it's your dedication specialty.

And even more with the fact you can spare allies but not yourself. Not intended imop but it is indeed what is writen.

[Baarogue]

I think it's perfectly thematically appropriate if you read the full text of the archetype's intro, its dedication, and the feat you're questioning and not only the mechanics

"The world is full of shadows, but each living creature possesses a form of inner light to ward against that ever-present darkness… all except shadowcasters. By trading away that piece of their spirit, shadowcasters have removed a limiter, allowing them to gain magical power rooted in the darkness; however, this trade also exposes them to otherworldly whispers from the realms of shadow."

"You've sacrificed a piece of your spirit, allowing the powers of shadow into your being and changing the nature of your magic. You can no longer cast spells that have the light trait; if an ability, such as a class feature or ancestry feat, would automatically grant you a light spell, such as the Domain Initiate feat granting you the dazzling flash spell, you don't gain that spell."

"You pool the power of shadow within your eyes, gaining the ability to gather darkness into a turbulent orb of crushing emptiness within your line of sight."

So yeah, you've chosen to be more susceptible to shadow and darkness than the average bear in order to gain more of those powers

But then again, you're not exactly without options. Assuming you're leaning into the shadow and darkness theme with your cleric, you probably have access to the darkness domain. That means you could have access to the Darkened Sight focus spell long before Unending Emptiness enters the picture